Visitors to the Municipal Activity and Recreation Complex (MARC) will see new activity at the heart of the park this summer as construction begins on modern facilities designed to better support park operations and seasonal recreation programming.
The project includes a new 4,500‑square‑foot building that will provide one-level space for park maintenance staff and summer recreation staff, as well as improved equipment storage. A new accessible playground is also planned, creating inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities.
Accessible pathways will connect the new building, playground, and other park amenities, improving movement throughout the site. The building will also include an accessible, flushable universal washroom that can be accessed from outside — a significant upgrade from the current on-site facilities.
“These improvements reflect our commitment to creating safe, accessible, and welcoming recreation spaces for everyone in our community,” says Mayor Elspeth McLean-Wile. “The MARC has long been an important gathering place, and these updates will help ensure it continues to serve all residents and visitors for generations to come.”
The MARC site has a long history in Lunenburg County. The property was once part of the former Lunenburg County Home, which dates back to the late 1800s. While most of the County Home buildings were demolished in the 1980s, the remaining brick and wooden structures continued to serve the community for several decades.
Built in a different era, they no longer meet today’s safety, accessibility, or building standards. Replacing them allows the park to continue evolving while better supporting modern recreation and community programming needs. The current “barn” is being preserved.
The MARC will remain open to the public throughout demolition of the structures and construction, with work carefully managed to minimize disruption and maintain safe access to park amenities.
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